Benjamin has just 23 receptions in his first two seasons – last year missing the final eight games due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. His 17.5 yards a catch average, however, is what likely intrigues the new coaching staff.

Absent Gordon, none of the Browns primary receivers, including Pro Bowl tight end Jordan Cameron, unnerve defensive backs with their velocity. Pettine acknowledged Wednesday the significance of such speed.

"Yeah and I think in (Kyle Shanahan's) offense over the years he's had that guy, too, that can kind of take the roof off," Pettine said. "I think that's important."

The coach doesn't expect Benjamin to burgeon into a No. 1 receiver. Built like a Schwinn, he's not equipped for rough rides over the middle, between the numbers. Still, Pettine wants more than punt and kick returns from the University of Miami product.

If the Browns can establish him as a viable target, the 5-foot-10, 175-pounder can stretch a defense. A season ago, he caught just five passes and was targeted 13 times.

"I think that's critical," Pettine said. "It's hard to have a roster spot just for a guy and all he does is return. He has to be able to function on one side of the ball or the other . . . I think that's what you can have him be your third or your fourth (receiver). I think that's nothing but a positive thing."

Benjamin wants to maintain a role in the offense. He also has to catch the ball.

In the first 11-on-11 period Wednesday, he zipped past rookie corner Justin Gilbert only to drop a perfectly thrown ball from Brian Hoyer. It was reminiscent of an error earlier in training camp on a long pass from Johnny Manziel.

But Benjamin atoned for the Hoyer drop by beating coverage again and corralling a 40-yarder from Manziel on a deep crossing route. It kick-started his most productive day of camp and illustrated the kind of big play that can keep defensive coordinators honest, not allowing them to constrict the field against the Browns.

"Yes, absolutely," Benjamin said of being a deep threat in Gordon's potential absence. "Knowing that if Josh goes down, somebody's got to be the next man up and whoever's number they call, they've got to be ready to step up."

Benjamin did not play in Saturday's exhibition opener and isn't sure if he will return kicks in the preseason as he gets his right knee back to 100 percent.

He spent a good chunk of the past 10 months rehabbing the injury alongside Hoyer and receiver Charles Johnson, who also are returning from ACL tears. Benjamin believes he's faster now than before the Oct. 27 injury in Kansas City.

"Mostly I focused on my lower body and getting it stronger knowing that I had an ACL surgery," he said.

Undrafted free-agent receiver Taylor Gabriel also possesses ample speed, but while acknowledging his pass-catching ability, Benjamin doesn't think the rookie has the same giddy-up.

"It's night and day," he said. "I take the crown in that."

Benjamin, one of the league's top punt returners, will wear No. 11 this season instead of No. 80. He and Johnson decided to swap numbers in the offseason.

"I love it," Benjamin said. "(By the opener in Pittsburgh on Sept. 7) everybody will get used to 11."

Pettine would like nothing more than to see No. 11 running free behind the Steelers' secondary with a ball tucked securely under an arm.

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